River Landforms

Question 1

What is a V-shaped valley?

Answer 1

A V-shaped valley is a narrow valley with steep sides, formed by the erosion of a river.

Question 2

How is a waterfall formed?

Answer 2

A waterfall is formed when a river flows over a steep drop or cliff, eroding the rock below.

Question 3

What are meanders?

Answer 3

Meanders are winding curves or bends in a river, formed by the erosion and deposition of sediment.

Question 4

What is an oxbow lake?

Answer 4

An oxbow lake is a crescent-shaped lake formed when a meander from a river is cut off.

Question 5

True or False: Floodplains are areas of land adjacent to rivers that are prone to flooding.

Answer 5

True

Question 6

What are levees?

Answer 6

Levees are raised banks along the sides of a river designed to prevent flooding.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: The process of a river eroding its banks to form meanders is called __________.

Answer 7

lateral erosion

Question 8

What is the primary force behind the formation of V-shaped valleys?

Answer 8

The primary force is the vertical erosion by the river.

Question 9

How does a waterfall contribute to landscape formation?

Answer 9

Waterfalls can create plunge pools and lead to the erosion of surrounding rocks, shaping the landscape.

Question 10

What happens to a river’s speed as it meanders?

Answer 10

The river’s speed decreases on the inside of the bend and increases on the outside.

Question 11

True or False: Oxbow lakes are formed as rivers change their course over time.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

What is the term for the flat area surrounding a river that may be flooded during high water?

Answer 12

Floodplain

Question 13

Multiple Choice: What is the main cause of meander formation? A) Sediment deposition B) Glacial activity C) Tectonic uplift D) River erosion

Answer 13

D) River erosion

Question 14

What natural process can lead to the formation of levees?

Answer 14

The deposition of sediment during flooding events.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: The steep drop at a waterfall is often referred to as a __________.

Answer 15

cataract

Question 16

What type of erosion is primarily responsible for creating V-shaped valleys?

Answer 16

Vertical erosion

Question 17

How do oxbow lakes eventually become part of the terrestrial ecosystem?

Answer 17

They can become filled with sediment and turn into wetlands or marshes.

Question 18

True or False: Floodplains are always completely dry.

Answer 18

False

Question 19

What role do levees play in flood management?

Answer 19

Levees help to contain river water and protect adjacent land from flooding.

Question 20

What is the effect of a waterfall on river sediment transport?

Answer 20

Waterfalls can trap sediment, preventing it from moving downstream.

Question 21

Multiple Choice: Which of the following features is a result of river erosion? A) Oxbow lake B) Delta C) Levee D) Alluvial fan

Answer 21

A) Oxbow lake

Question 22

What is a key characteristic of a floodplain?

Answer 22

It is a flat area that can be periodically flooded by river overflow.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: The process of a river cutting through rock layers to form a waterfall is called __________.

Answer 23

erosion

Question 24

What happens to the shape of a river as it ages?

Answer 24

It tends to develop more meanders and wider floodplains.

Question 25

True or False: Levees can be both natural and man-made.

Answer 25

True

Question 26

What is the significance of meanders in a river system?

Answer 26

Meanders help to slow down the flow of water and promote sediment deposition.

Question 27

How do waterfalls affect the ecosystems around them?

Answer 27

They create unique habitats and microclimates due to the spray and moisture.

Question 28

What is the primary reason for the formation of oxbow lakes?

Answer 28

The natural erosion of the riverbank leading to the river cutting a new path.

Question 29

Fill in the blank: The area where a river meets the ocean is known as a __________.

Answer 29

delta